Former Kampala Lord Erias Lukwago has been rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital after his health reportedly deteriorated in Luzira Prison, reigniting concerns over his access to specialised medical care while in detention.
The latest hospitalisation is the second in less than two months, following a similar incident on August 30. His associates say Lukwago, who has a history of chronic back problems, needs further assessment at a specialised medical facility, but the authorities have reportedly not permitted the referral.
According to a statement shared by his social media handler, Lukwago was evacuated to Mulago on Monday after his condition worsened.
“PFF Executive Chairman Counsel @EriasLukwago was this morning evacuated to Mulago Referral Hospital following his deteriorating health condition. He requires further referral to a more specialised facility; however, the concerned authorities are still adamant to permit this,” the statement reads.
His former deputy, Doreen Nyanjura, also confirmed the development, describing his condition as critical.
“Salongo @EriasLukwago in a critical condition, rushed to Mulago Hospital,” Nyanjura posted.
Lukwago’s associates say medical specialists at Mulago had previously advised him to seek further assessment at a specialised facility abroad. They now fear that delays in securing the recommended treatment could complicate his condition.
His hospitalisation has also intensified calls from political figures and activists for his release to enable him to access the medical care they say he requires.
National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, joined the calls, arguing that political disagreements should not override the right to life and human dignity.
“Joining the rest of well-meaning Ugandans to demand for the urgent release of Counsel Erias Lukwago. We owe ourselves a country where no amount of political disagreement is greater than citizens’ right to life and human dignity,” Kyagulanyi said.
Lukwago’s health concerns come as he faces a charge of misprision of treason, relating to allegations that he failed to report an alleged plot involving opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye.
Lukwago was arrested on June 15 and subsequently charged before being added to the same case file as Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale.
Misprision of treason generally refers to the alleged failure to report knowledge of treason or a treasonous plot to the relevant authorities.
Besigye and Lutale have remained on remand following their arrest in Kenya in November 2024 over allegations of plotting to overthrow the Ugandan government.
The circumstances surrounding Lukwago’s latest hospitalisation are likely to keep attention focused on his health, the reported recommendation for specialised treatment and the authorities’ position on his access to that care.
